The cheapest and fastest buses from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$141
Average price
$157
Fastest journey
23 h 15 m
Average duration
1 d 1 h 28 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
1438 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL will cost around $157 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $141.
Of the 2 buses that leave Gainesville, FL for Chicago, IL on Fri, May 08, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 08 the direct buses cover the 1438 km distance in an average of 1 d 1 h 28 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 23 h 15 m .
On Fri, May 08 the slowest buses will take 1 d 3 h 40 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
4:30 PM27h40Gainesville, FL8:10 PMChicago, IL$1411One-way0 transfers
10:00 PM23h15Gainesville, FL9:15 PMChicago, IL$1741One-way0 transfers
10:00 PM23h15Gainesville, FL9:15 PMChicago, IL$1741One-way0 transfers
4:30 PM27h40Gainesville, FL8:10 PMChicago, IL$1411One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $141. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 44m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $141, and a flight costs an average of $249.
Distance: 893 miles (1438 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train |
|---|---|---|
$192 Average price Cheapest | $363 Average price | $251 Average price |
23h 23m Average total duration 22h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 44m Average total duration Fastest 6h 44m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 38h 56m Average total duration 38h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $58 (€46) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL costing on average $251 (€200).
A bus is $170 (€136) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL costing on average $363 (€290).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 22h 53m.
Train takes on average 38h 26m.
Live departures
Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL bus times
The table below shows live departures for Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL buses for today, Thursday, May 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:00 PM Gainesville, FL | 25h15 | 2:15 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
May 08
May 09
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
May 14
Why should you book Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Greyhound, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Greyhound with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL
Buses from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL run on average 14 times per day, taking around 22h 53m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $141 (€112) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 893 miles (1438 km) distance in 23h 15m.
Distance 893 miles (1438 km) |
Average bus duration 22h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $141 (€112) |
Buses per day 14 |
Fastest bus 23h 15m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, ILYou can travel by bus between Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL with Greyhound, FlixBus for as low as $141 (€112). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Greyhound
FAQs: Bus from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Millennium Park, a public park known for its modern art installations and the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture
- Art Institute of Chicago, a renowned museum housing an extensive collection of art from around the world
- Navy Pier, a popular entertainment destination featuring rides, restaurants, and lakefront views
- Willis Tower Skydeck, an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city from one of the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere
- Field Museum, a natural history museum with vast exhibits including the famous T. rex skeleton, Sue.
- Museum of Science and Industry, an interactive museum featuring exhibits on science, technology, and industry
- Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Chicago, such as Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, known for their unique shops and eateries
- Take a river cruise to see the city's iconic architecture from a different perspective
- Attend a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre
- Enjoy a day at Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the U.S., offering free admission.
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL
Most popular bus connections from Gainesville, FL
More options for your journey from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL
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